In a shocking incident, police in Mangochi have arrested 27-year-old Lucy Patrick for allegedly pouring hot water on an 18-year-old girl.

The victim, Amida Jafali, of Mgundaphiri Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponda in the district, was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital with severe burns and later referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre for further treatment.

According to Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Daudi, the suspect and victim were once close friends and lived together before a falling out over gossip issues.

On the day of the incident, a fight broke out between the two when the victim confronted the suspect, accusing her of spreading lies about the victim engaging in prostitution.

In the heat of the altercation, the suspect allegedly took a pot of hot water from a fireplace and poured it onto Jafali’s chest.

The police are currently monitoring the condition of the victim before formally charging the suspect.